Slayer returned to the studio in early 1990 with co-producer Andy

Slayer returned to the studio in early 1990 with co-producer Andy Wallace to record its fifth studio album. Following the backlash created by South of Heaven , Slayer returned to the “pounding speed of Reign in Blood , while retaining their newfound melodic sense.” Seasons in the Abyss , released on October 9, 1990, was the first Slayer album to be released under Rubin’s new Def American label, as he had parted ways with Def Jam owner Russell Simmons over creative differences. The album debuted at number No. 57 and peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold in 1992. The album spawned Slayer’s first music video for the album’s title track, which was filmed in front of the Giza pyramids in Egypt. In support of Seasons in the Abyss , the band participated in the Clash of the Titans tour that was co-headlined by Megadeth ; a European leg featured Testament and Suicidal Tendencies , while the North American trek had Anthrax and a then-unknown Alice in Chains as the direct support act. The band released a double live album, Decade of Aggression in 1991, to celebrate ten years since their formation. It debuted at number 55 on the Billboard 200.